Cincinnati African American Events and Things to Do in 2026

What’s happening in Black Cincinnati in 2026 & 2027

Cincinnati African American Events this year.

Hip-hop, R&B, soul, Jazz, reggae, gospel, old school, and symphony live-music concerts happening in Cincinnati in 2026 & 2027

Black composers, plays, museum exhibits, comedy shows, concert series, operas, dance recitals, local music, and festivals in Cincinnati.

Black Cincinnatians can routinely and affordably enjoy the performing arts, fine arts, musicians, entertainers, comedians, program initiatives, and more. Arts and entertainment at Cincinnati African American Events can help improve physical and mental health.

Text VOBC to 513-966-3328 to receive an updated weekly calendar of Black events in Cincinnati!

See what’s happening in Black Cincinnati this week!

Feel free to submit an event to be considered in this article. All Cincinnati African American Events listed are as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to verify the information before taking action.

2026 Cincinnati African American Events

Forest Park Celebrates America 250

Community Celebration
July 17, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Central Park (Forest Park)
Get ready, Forest Park, the America 250 Celebration is almost here! Enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, food, family fun, and community pride. Just Vince and the Fellas will headline the evening.

Woodlawn/Lincoln Heights Brady Block Party

Free Symphony Concert & Community Event
July 17, 6:30 p.m.
Woodlawn Community Center Fields (Woodlawn)
This FREE outdoor event is open to the public, and all are welcome. Enjoy giveaways, food trucks, activities, and entertainment prior to a concert with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra!

Kindred The Family Soul

R&B Concert
July 18, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The husband-and-wife duo is celebrated for music rooted in love, family, and real-life experiences, blending smooth grooves with uplifting, conscious lyrics.

Back 2 School Block Party | Gray Road Christian Academy

Community Celebration
July 31, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gray Road Christian Academy (Winton Hills)
Enjoy an evening filled with food, fun activities, school supplies, health screenings, and entertainment from a live DJ.

Jazz in the Park

Community Concert
August 1, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Central Park (Forest Park)
The largest and longest-running jazz festival in the area! Enjoy performances by local and nationally known artists, plus food trucks, beer, and vendors.

Summermusik Festival

Chamber Music Festival
August 4 – August 29
Multiple Venues
The festival brings together internationally recognized guest artists, exciting world premieres, and standout performances from the ensemble. With its mix of innovative programming and intimate concert settings, Summermusik offers a vibrant celebration of music throughout the month of August.

Regional Business Summit

Summit
August 5, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cintas Center (Evanston)
Participants will gain new perspectives and actionable strategies to help strengthen competitiveness, support innovation, and advance long-term, inclusive economic growth across the region.

After Hours: Sci-Fi Edition

21+ Event
August 6, 7 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (Queensgate)
Whether you’re just a curious explorer or have written your own guide to the galaxy, come explore the wonders of the universe and maybe discover some of the science behind science fiction, cocktail in hand.

Boney James

Jazz Concert
August 8, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An American saxophonist known for blending jazz, R&B, and contemporary soul into a signature smooth‑jazz sound.

Robert Glasper

Jazz Concert
August 13, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for blending jazz, hip‑hop, and soul, Glasper brings an energy that turns every performance into something unforgettable.

Kota The Friend

Rap Concert
August 20, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for his independent approach and uplifting, introspective music, Kota has built a dedicated fanbase around his authentic storytelling and positive message.

Will Downing

Jazz Concert
August 21, 7:30 p.m
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An evening of rich, velvety vocals from one of contemporary R&B’s most enduring stylists. His blend of sophisticated soul, jazz‑infused arrangements, and romantic ballads creates a concert atmosphere that feels both elegant and deeply personal.

TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue

Hip-Hop Concert
August 21, 7:30 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
For the first time, these three trailblazing groups will tour together, celebrating decades of era-defining hits, culture-shifting influence, and timeless R&B and hip-hop anthems.

Stanley Jordan

Jazz Concert
August 22, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for a groundbreaking two‑hand tapping technique, Jordan turns the guitar into a full orchestra unfolding onstage.

Through August 22
Kennedy Heights Arts Center (Kennedy Heights)
Featuring 154 prints of various printmaking techniques by 42 established Kenyan artists, young and old. These artists use their artwork as their voice and communication tool to reflect on the cultural and social issues they face.

Declarative Acts and Revolutionary Actors

Exhibit
Through August 23
Cincinnati Museum Center (Queensgate)
showcases national treasures from Cincinnati Museum Center’s collections, including an original timber and chain from pre-Cincinnati’s Fort Washington, the regimental flag of the 1st Pennsylvania Battalion – one of just 30 Revolutionary War flags still in existence – and the document that united a nation, the Declaration of Independence.

Jonathan Butler

Jazz Concert
August 29, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The Sister Accord Foundation is pleased to announce that world-renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Jonathan Butler, will receive The Sister Accord Leadership Award in recognition of his long-standing commitment to Excellence.

Gee Horton’s Chapter 4: In Another Lifetime

Art Exhibit
Through August 30
Contemporary Arts Center (Downtown)
Through large-scale photorealist drawings, photography, collage, video, and installation, Horton reflects on Black masculinity, generational memory, and childhood, exploring themes of safety, vulnerability, and the fragile boundary between freedom and protection.

Stokley

R&B Concert
August 30, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The Sister Accord Foundation is pleased to welcome previous Sister Accord Leadership Award Recipient, Stokley, to help in celebrating their 13th Anniversary.

Chance The Rapper

Concert
September 2, 8 p.m.
Andrew J Brady Music Center (The Banks)
Chance the Rapper, the first independent artist to win a GRAMMY®, is launching a North American tour celebrating his groundbreaking mixtape Coloring Book, the project that redefined streaming-era independence and reshaped the modern music landscape.

Wu-Tang Clan with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

Hip-hop Concert
September 5, 7:30 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber Tour, with special guest Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, brings one of the most influential groups in music history back to stages across North America due to popular demand for a monumental run of live shows.

Jubu Smith

R&B Concert
September 5, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Jubu Smith is a renowned guitarist and soulful artist whose sound has shaped R&B and soul for decades.

La La Land in Concert

Symphony Concert
September 5 – September 6
Music Hall (OTR)
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lionsgate’s 2016 Academy Award-winning film, La La Land, in a swoon-worthy concert experience featuring the Cincinnati Pops, conductor Damon Gupton (who also appears in the film!), a full jazz band, and all of the unbelievable piano solos performed live-to-film.

$uicideboy$ with Destroy Lonely, Shakewell, DRAIN, Black Kray, and $lim Gucci

Rap Concert
September 11, 7 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
The powerhouse cousins and global leaders in independent rap will bring an electrifying mix of talent.

Gladys Knight

Soul Concert
September 11, 7 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
The evening promises a mix of timeless hits and heartfelt performances that showcase why she’s known as the Empress of Soul.

Lea Salonga

Symphony Concert
September 12 – September 13
Music Hall (OTR)
Celebrated for her iconic performances in Miss Saigon and Les Misérables, and as the singing voice of Disney’s Jasmine and Mulan, Salonga brings her luminous voice and heartfelt artistry to a program filled with Broadway showstoppers, beloved film songs, and timeless favorites — all soaring with the full symphonic splendor of the Pops.

Pitbull with Lil Jon

Rap Concert
September 15, 8 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
Following numerous successful solo touring runs, Mr. Worldwide is once again set to deliver an electrifying live experience packed with career-spanning hits, instantly recognizable anthems, and nonstop party energy.

Boyz II Men with the Cincinnati Pops

Symphony Concert
September 16, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Grammy-winning R&B legends Boyz II Men bring their silky harmonies and unmatched charisma to the Cincinnati Pops stage for a night of pure musical magic.

The Music of Hans Zimmer

Symphony Concert
September 19, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
From the antics of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean and the eerie, breathless space of Interstellar, to the arrival on Arrakis in Dune and the battle scenes in Gladiator, you’ll relive some of the most epic moments from Hans Zimmer’s most enduring film scores.

G-Eazy and Logic with Juicy J

Rap Concert
September 25, 7 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
G-Eazy and Logic have announced The Endless Summer Part II, a North American tour that marks their first co-headlining run together since the sold-out 2016 “Endless Summer Tour.”

JMR’s Orchestral Canvas

Symphony Concert
September 25 – September 27
Music Hall (OTR)
A true masterpiece for the senses, this unique live music experience takes orchestral classics like Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Falla’s Three-Cornered Hat, and Respighi’s Pines of Rome, and pairs them with sweeping visual projections by Lightborne of some of the world’s greatest works of art — transforming Music Hall into a living gallery as images and melodies come alive together.

Pynk Beard

Country Concert
September 30, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The rising artist is known for blending classic country storytelling with a modern edge, creating a sound that feels both familiar and fresh.

Demola

Violin Concert
October 2, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for his genre‑bending performances and global fanbase, Demola brings a vibrant energy that resonates with audiences of all ages.

CSO + Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestral Festival

Symphony Concert
October 2 – October 4
Music Hall (OTR)
Featuring thrilling performances with the combined forces of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, violinist Nicola Benedetti, and the CSO, this festival highlights new works and fresh takes on orchestral classics, while showcasing the multiple Grammy-winning JLCO.

Tab Benoit

Blues Concert
October 9, 8 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
A four-time Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and guitarist who, for more than thirty years, has built a remarkable career on the foundation of his gritty and soulful Delta swamp blues.

Karyn White

R&B Concert
October 10, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for hits like “Superwoman” and “Secret Rendezvous,” White brings her powerhouse vocals and timeless style. Fans can look forward to a soulful, high-energy performance that showcases why she remains one of the defining voices of ’90s R&B.

“Equal to Any in the City:” Ball & Thomas Photographs 1840s – 1870s

Exhibit
Through October 14
Cincinnati Museum Center (Queensgate)
Experience American history through the lens of one of the 19th century’s greatest photographers. James Presley Ball, a free man of color, used his incredible skill to transcend racial barriers and establish himself as one of the most sought-after photographers in the country.

Songs of Destiny

Symphony Concert
October 17 – October 18
Music Hall (OTR)
From myth to fire to consolation, this program traces a journey through passion, virtuosity, and reflection.

Emmaline: The Great American Songbook Reimagined

October 22, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
With lush vocals, timeless melodies, and Emmaline’s modern-retro charm, this will be an elegant evening of romance, nostalgia, and live music made for old souls and modern hearts alike.

Psycho in Concert

Symphony Concert
October 27, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary thriller Psycho comes alive on the big screen as its spine-tingling score is performed live-to-film by the Cincinnati Pops.

BLKBOK

Classical Concert
October 30, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An evening that blends classical technique with the emotional storytelling of modern piano composition.

Gil Shaham Plays Tchaikovsky

Symphony Concert
October 30 – October 31
Music Hall (OTR)
Conductor Kwamé Ryan returns for a program of passion, virtuosity, and expansive Romantic expression.

Gerald Albright

Jazz Concert
November 13, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The GRAMMY‑nominated musician will bring his signature blend of smooth jazz, funk, and soulful improvisation to the intimate Cincinnati venue.

Louis Langrée Conducts Ravel

Symphony Concert
November 13 – November 14
Music Hall (OTR)
The return of Music Director Laureate Louis Langrée brings us a focus on Ravel’s music, showing us the different styles in which Ravel composed throughout his life.

The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston

R&B Concert
November 14, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for timeless hits like “Kiss and Say Goodbye,” “Shining Star,” and “There’s No Me Without You,” the group continues to captivate audiences with their smooth harmonies and soulful sound.

Strauss Spectacular

Symphony Concert
November 21 – November 22
Music Hall (OTR)
Conductor Phillipe Jordan, in his highly-anticipated CSO debut, leads a Strauss spectacular for the senses.

Marion Meadows

Jazz Concert
November 27, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for his soulful melodies, contemporary jazz style, and chart-topping hits, Meadows delivers a captivating live performance that appeals to both longtime jazz enthusiasts and new listeners alike.

Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert Live to Film

Symphony Concert
November 28 – November 29
Music Hall (OTR)
The Cincinnati Pops presents Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in concert, featuring the complete film with the score performed live-to-picture!

Mindi Abair’s I Can’t Wait For Christmas

Jazz Concert
December 4, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Joined by five exciting solo artists, Mindi delivers Christmas classics, fresh original songs, and heartfelt moments that will make you laugh, tear up, and leave with your heart full of the Christmas spirit.

Conrad Tao, Mozart & Prokofiev

Symphony Concert
December 4 – December 5
Music Hall (OTR)
Gemma New’s magnetic artistry guides the CSO in a century-spanning celebration of musical imagination.

Holiday Pops

Symphony Concert
December 11 – December 13
Music Hall (OTR)
Featuring talented choirs and dancers from around our city, plus special guests and a few surprises along the way, this is the Cincinnati Pops concert that captures all the wonder, warmth, and togetherness of the holidays. 

Rescheduled: The Pharcyde

Rap Concert
December 18, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Their shows blend sharp lyricism, off‑kilter humor, and the laid‑back West Coast vibe that made them cult favorites.

NYE: Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown

Symphony Concert
December 31, 8 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
On New Year’s Eve, the Cincinnati Pops becomes a soul-powered time machine and a living jukebox of some of Motown’s greatest hits. From the very first downbeat, the air crackles with that unmistakable Detroit groove — brassy riffs, velvet harmonies, and basslines so smooth they practically dance on their own.

2027 Cincinnati African American Events

Hook in Concert

Symphony Concert
January 2 – January 3
Music Hall (OTR)
Steven Spielberg’s beloved 1991 classic Hook comes to life on stage as the Pops performs John Williams’ iconic score live-to-picture as the full film plays on the big screen above the Orchestra.

Cristi Conducts Brahms Symphony No. 3

Symphony Concert
January 8 – January 9
Music Hall (OTR)
A chance discovery led to the revival of Florence Price’s music, including her Ethiopia’s Shadow in America, a full-bodied orchestral work which depicts the plight of Africans, from enslavement to resignation, faith, and adaptation.

Come As You Are

Symphony Concert
January 15 – January 16
Music Hall (OTR)
In a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, we tell the story of the American cultural tapestry through love, spirituality, innovation and diversity.

Don Quixote & Enescu Symphony No. 3

Symphony Concert
January 22 – January 23
Music Hall (OTR)
Richard Strauss’ blends motifs depicting humor and heroism to reflect Don Quixote’s quixotic adventures, brought vividly to life by Alisa Weilerstein. CSO’s own Christian Colberg joins as the steadfast sidekick, helping to tell this larger-than-life story.

A.R. Rahman

Symphony Concert
January 26 – January 27
Music Hall (OTR)
A Grammy and two-time academy award winner, Rahman is one of the world’s most prolific music composers and the musical genius behind the soul-stirring music of Slumdog Millionaire.

Stravinsky X Kendrick Lamar

Symphony Concert
January 29 – January 30
Music Hall (OTR)
A daring fusion of Stravinsky’s Petrushka and Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize–winning DAMN., two works linked by their “show-within-a-show” format and their protagonists’ struggles with identity and reality.

Tchaikovsky & Bruckner: Epic Romance

Symphony Concert
February 5 – February 6
Music Hall (OTR)
Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, aptly described by its composer as a fantasy, offers some of the most unforgettable love themes ever written.

Beethoven & Berio

Symphony Concert
February 27 – February 28
Music Hall (OTR)
This time-bending journey weaves together past and present through three generations of musical perspectives.

Extraordinary Women

Symphony Concert
March 5 – March 6
Music Hall (OTR)
This program celebrates the enduring impact of female composers, from 19th-century pioneers to a trailblazer of today.

Cincinnatians can enjoy Cincinnati African American Events nearly every night of the week. Visit our weekly list of things to do to see which arts centers, concert halls, auditoriums, and venues offer chamber, classical, philharmonic, orchestral, choral, folk, R&B, hip-hop, soul, or gospel music.

Cincinnati is also fortunate to have nationally known artists display their talents in the Queen City music scene. Touring acclaimed African American artists, artistic directors, singers, music directors, and performers routinely visit.

When purchasing tickets for Cincinnati African American Events, ask the box office about exclusive deals, discount options, community performances, dress rehearsals, recitals, or same-day options. Some events will sell out quickly, so buy tickets while you can.

The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.

Cincinnati African American Events photo provided by AdobeStock